Operation Christmas Child drive begins
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on October 1, 2006 2:00 AM
Adamsville Baptist Church is beginning its annual Operation Christmas Child drive to collect boxes of gifts for needy children around the world.
The program is a project of Samaritan's Purse International Relief, led by the Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of the Rev. Billy Graham.
It is considered one of the most efficient charities in the world, with only 76 paid employees but more than 50,000 volunteers.
Churches, businesses, civic groups and schools are urged to collect shoe boxes filled with small toys, school supplies and personal hygiene items and and bring them to the Relay Center at Adamsville Baptist Church fellowship hall at 1302 N. Berkeley Blvd.
The goal is 6,000 boxes from the Wayne County area.
Collection dates are Nov. 13, 14 and 15, from 3-7 p.m.; Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. until noon and from 3-6 p.m.; Nov. 17, from 3-6 p.., Nov. 18 from 2-5 p.m., Nov. 19 from 3-8 p.m. Boxes will be shipped Nov. 20.
Call 800-353-5949 if you need to order brochures with labels, posters, prayer calendars or CDs.
This year, donors are asked to place labels across the end of box lid, double bag bar soap and hard candies.
Due to shipping problems, donors are also asked to use standard size shoe boxes or plastic six-quart boxes.
Some of the items that can be included in the boxes are balls, dolls, small toy cars, stuffed animals, yo-yos, crayons, stamp and ink sets, writing pads, coloring books, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, combs, hair clips, socks, t-shirts and ball caps. Determine beforehand whether your box will be for a boy or a girl and what age, 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14.
Many people also include a photograph of themselves or their family and a note to the child. If you include your address, many children write back.
Candy should be hard, not soft, and double-bagged.
Donors are also asked to give $7 along with the boxes to help pay shipping costss. Donations can also be made online at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.